CHAPTER TWO- Variety Show??

CHAPTER TWO

LEO’S POV

“Hello, Mr. Leonardo,” Drew greeted, extending his hand for a shake, but I opted to remain seated, ignoring the gesture.

“Wow, I guess the media really did cover your personality accurately,” Drew remarked, a smile stretching across his face as he settled into the seat opposite me.

“I’m not sure why you decided to come in before the scheduled time, but it appears to be perfect timing. The offer wasn’t for you alone, actually; it’s for both you and Miss Rachel Snow,” Drew explained, his tone even.

Just then, the door swung open, and Rachel entered confidently, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Her eyes scanned the room before landing on us, and she wasted no time in addressing me with a “really” look.

“Perfect timing, Miss Rachel. Please have a seat,” Drew interjected smoothly, attempting to diffuse the tension.

“Oh, this day can’t get any worse. I can’t believe I am bumping into you for the second time in just a day. Are you stalking me?” Rachel retorted, facing me directly, her shades now removed.

I maintained my composure, refusing to acknowledge her accusation with a response. Drew’s inner thoughts were evident as he observed our interaction, perhaps reconsidering his decision to involve us in his show.

Meanwhile, I continued to ignore Rachel’s provocations, prompting a scoff from her as she took a seat beside me. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, both of us staring at Drew with unwavering gazes.

“O-okay,” Drew finally managed to say, breaking the tension in the air.

“My show, ‘Married for 100 Days,’ is the most-watched variety show in Las Vegas, ranking first every week, every month, and every year. This time around, I would like to feature you two as guests along with three other couples.”

“Wait… what do you mean by ‘guests’?” Rachel questioned, squinting skeptically at Drew.

Drew hesitated briefly before answering, gathering his courage. “Guests like husband and wife,” he clarified, his words hanging heavily in the air.

“Wh-what?!” Rachel exclaimed, clearly taken aback. I remained outwardly composed, though a flicker of surprise passed through me at the unexpected proposal.

"That’s it. I am done for the day," I declared abruptly, standing to leave, feeling the absurdity of the situation pressing  on me.

"Wait a moment… I believe you both want Max Zenin to invest in your mall?" Drew interjected, halting my departure.

I halted, turning back to face Drew with a guarded expression.

"I met with him, and he told me he will invest in any mall whose owner successfully fulfills all the obligations of 'Married for 100 Days,'" Drew continued, seeking to persuade us with evidence.

Rachel remained skeptical, crossing her arms defensively, while I hesitated, torn between disbelief and the potential opportunity.

"I have a video recording to prove that," Drew added, producing his phone as evidence.

"Suit yourself ," I asserted firmly, my decision made as I turned and walked out of the room. The door closed behind me with a thud.

After  finishing work for the day, I returned home to the familiar sight of my grand mansion, a testament to the Lugard legacy. John, my steadfast bodyguard, greeted me with a worried expression as he opened the car door.

"He's here?" I asked, already knowing the answer as John nodded solemnly.

Sighing, I entered the opulent residence, its architecture a blend of glass and steel surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens. Luxury cars lined the driveway, and inside, the marble floors and high ceilings is  an air of wealth and refinement.

In the living room, my father, flanked by his guards, awaited my arrival. "Good afternoon, Dad," I greeted respectfully, standing before him. His response was immediate and harsh—a tablet hurled in my direction, which I narrowly dodged.

I listened silently as he vented his frustration, accusing me indirectly through his scornful remarks. His disdain for the variety show announcement was evident, overshadowing any pride he might have taken in our family's business empire.

“What? A variety show? Are you supposed to be making business plans or going into variety shows?” he continued, his voice cutting through the silence.

“Get rid of the variety show issue and focus on business plans, and also ensure my son will take over smoothly,” he instructed, his words laced with authority. As he prepared to leave, his final command stung deeply: “And one more thing… do not ever call me your father again.”

As he departed, leaving with an air of finality, I stood there, grappling with a mix of emotions—frustration, disappointment, and a lingering sense of i dont know.. John handed me the tablet bearing the damning headline: “Mr. Leonardo Lugard and Rachel Snow to Appear in a Variety Show ‘Married for 100 Days’ as Husband and Wife.”

My eyes widened as I checked the timestamp- it was just and hour ago probably when immediately I left the meeting. I knew Rachel I s involved , and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was more than just a publicity stunt.

“Rachel, what are you up to?” I wondered aloud, my thoughts swirling.

RACHEL’S POV

I  sat back in my  plush living room, a satisfied smile playing on my  lips as I  stared at myself in the mirror.

*Flashback*

Standing up to leave, I was ready to dismiss Drew's proposal without a second thought.

"Wait, Miss Rachel, I believe you are smarter than Mr. Leo. Why don’t you understand that this will be advantageous for you? You know there’s a saying: 'Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.' Don’t you think you can beat him by figuring out his moves?" Drew leaned forward, his eyes pleading for me to see the strategic advantage in his proposal.

I paused, considering his  words. My gaze flickered to the door through which Leonardo had just exited, a thoughtful expression crossing my face as I weighed my options. He could almost see the gears turning in my mind as I deliberated on the unexpected offer.

"I think it will be a good idea for you," he added, breaking the silence.

After a while, I finally smirked, leaving Drew curious about my change in demeanor.

"Okay, Drew. I don’t see myself getting into anything without profit, and I assume there are two things I can gain from your variety show: Max Zenin signing a contract with me, and learning about that dude’s flaws so I can beat him and win over Mr. Max Zenin. It sounds interesting, but I have a plan if you want Leonardo to join the show."

Drew's face lit up with a wide grin. "I'm all ears," he said eagerly, leaning in to hear my strategy.

*End of flashback*

Now, sitting in my living room, I knew exactly how to proceed. Releasing an article stating that Leonardo and I would be on the show together would force him to take a stand. He probably has no idea what I’m planning, so he'll likely opt for the safer option. This will give me the upper hand to maneuver and achieve my goals.